Nigerian Communications Commission
(NCC) has fined the four major network operators in the country (Airtel, MTN,
Glo and 9mobile) a total of N74m for various infractions.

The NCC had in 2018 highlighted some noncompliance by the network providers… among which is quality of service; approval for promotions and advertisements; and SIM registration in a controlled environment, among others.”

The fine, however, is basically for SIM registration infractions, unapproved promos and advertisements, and failure to provide information on collapsed towers.

According to the NCC, all the
network operators are guilty of SIM registration outside a controlled
environment.

The NCC consequently placed a fine of N60m and gave them a deadline of September 14, 2018 to pay. The report indicates that MTN was asked to pay N5m; Airtel N20m; Glo N30m; and 9mobile N5m.

The telecoms regulator had in 2017 instructed operators to stop registering SIM cards under umbrellas, kiosks or other uncontrolled environment.

Additionally, 9mobile got a total fine of N4m for two different promotions – My 9mobile App and ZTE MF910 4 G Mi-Fi promotions – both of which were unapproved by the commission.

Likewise, Globacom was also fined N2m for an unapproved advert tagged ‘Enjoy non-stop browsing this season of love.’ For its ‘E-Top-Up 8X Bonus’ promo, the NCC, noting that it was not approved and violated the floor price, fined the company a total of N4m for the two infractions.

Globacom was also fined N2m for its
failure to provide information regarding its collapsed masts in two sites
situated in Jalingo, Taraba State. MTN was fined N2m for not seeking regulatory
approval for its ‘Yafun Yafun SIM’ promotion.

NCC busy dishing out fines like it’s lollies. But on a serious note, I don’t think much can be done to control this “Sim registration in uncontrolled areas”. I mean, these places are even more accessible and easier to find than their so called “controlled areas”.

This NCC guys dey jobless that is joblessness. Imagine the crowd that will be in telecom offices if everybody goes to buy and register sim there. It will also discourage small businesses. NCC is just looking for money. They should inert better laws that will benefit us and not “money inside pocket” laws.